The Temperate Database is in the process of being updated, with new records being added and old ones being checked and brought up to date where necessary. This record has not yet been checked and updated.

Common Name: Cheddar Pink

General Information

Dianthus gratianopolitanus is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.30 metres tall.
The plant is sometimes grown as an ornamental, where it can be used to make a ground cover.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Western and central Europe from Britain and France to Moravia and Hungary.

Habitat

Carboniferous limestone cliffs[]. In Britain this species is only found in Cheddar Gorge[].

Properties

Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Bees, Lepidoptera
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a dry calcareous soil and a sunny position[]. Dislikes shade[]. Plants succeed when grown on the top of a broad or retaining wall[]. Plants grow well in a maritime environment, though they dislike damp conditions.
Plants are hardy to about -20°c[].
A very ornamental plant[]. The flowers are strongly clove-scented and are very attractive to butterflies and moths[]. The double-flowered form, 'Flore Plena' has an even stronger scent.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Can be used as a ground cover plant in a sunny position[]. Plants should be placed about 25cm apart each way and form a slowly spreading carpet of growth[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame[]. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 4 weeks at 20°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings in mid summer in a cold frame. Very high percentage[].
Division in early spring[]. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.